I’ve had this lovely little bag of Pecans sitting in the cupboard for a few days just eyeing me every time I opened the door so today it was all about the pecans. I wanted a quick snack that I could grab while running around doing errands or to have with a little bowl of yogurt as a mid morning snack but I also wanted something that would fill me up a little more so I decided on Pecan Quinoa Granola.
I love creating recipes with a specific ingredient or brand. I know that not all bloggers enjoy it but for me it makes me think and play around with ingredients more which is exactly what I love about cooking. I love to experiment with flavors and ideas, but keep things totally realistic. In some ways it’s almost easier to create an over the top recipe than it is to keep it really simple. I know that sounds crazy, but when you’re making something new you often throw everything in so it can get hard to simplify. This granola is definitely simple. Just a few ingredients stirred together and I love that it’s a little more on the salty and warm side unlike our strawberry almond granola which is sweet. Sometimes you just want a more salty snack than something sweet and this totally fits the bill. Plus, the pecans give off their own warm, nuttiness without you doing anything other than chopping them up.
What Is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a grain.
Quinoa is found in the Andes, where it was widely cultivated for its edible starchy seeds before the introduction of Old World grains.
The seeds of the quinoa are used as food and in the production of alcoholic drinks.
Is Quinoa Gluten Free?
Quinoa is gluten free, however, quinoa does have “gluten like” storage proteins that can mimic proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Because of these proteins, a person with celiac may not be able to safely eat quinoa.
Are Pecans Good For You?
Pecans are a healthy snack.
Pecans are high in healthy unsaturated fat and just a handful a day can lower “bad” cholesterol.
They also contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Pecan Quinoa Granola
Pecan Quinoa Granola
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon agave
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/3 cup quinoa
- 3 1/2 cups rolled oats, old fashioned, not quick
- 1/2 cup pecans, Fischer's nuts, chopped
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 egg white, whisked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the oil, brown sugar, honey, and agave.
- Heat until just starting to simmer, remove from the heat and add the vanilla, stirring to combine.
- In a large bowl, stir together the quinoa, oats, pecans, seasoning, and salt.
- Pour the hot syrup over the top and stir to combine.
- Add the egg white and stir again then spread out on a parchment lined 9x13" baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely and then break into clusters for snacking.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
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Thalia @ butter and brioche
I too just made a batch of granola! I am loving your use of quinoa here though – it is definitely something I need to try in my recipe next time.
Sweet Basil
Let me know how it goes!
Beth f
I’m anxious to try this recipe. Is the quinoa uncooked?
Sweet Basil
It is! Thanks for double checking
Gaby
This is genius! I love that you used quinoa, such great flavors!!!
Karen
Do you add the quinoa right from the bag? Unrinsed and dry? If so, can you taste its bitterness?
Sweet Basil
Because of the sweetness added to the granola you can’t taste any difference. It is more of a sweet and salty recipe instead of the overly sugary granola but that’s what I like about it. It is dry and unrinsed. 🙂
Amanda
I love everything about this! So delicious!!!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
i loooove this granola! So fun and unique yet still classic and tasty!
[email protected]
I was just now thinking how much I want to make some granola this month and then I saw this recipe! It looks so delicious and perfect for wht I was craving.
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
I SO would have never thought to use quinoa in granola! That is so creative and healthy….which is perfect after all my cookie eatage the past few weeks! Pinned 🙂
Sweet Basil
oh man, me too! So. many. cookies!